FAQs

A poll site voting system (PVS) is a portable electronic voting system that uses an optical scanner to read marked paper ballots and tally the results. This system allows for paper ballots to be immediately tabulated at your poll site.

This system also includes a ballot marking device (BMD), which is an electronic device that assists voters in marking a paper ballot on Election Day. It allows all voters, including voters with disabilities, to vote privately and independently at their poll site. The BMD allows voters to access the ballot by seeing it on an adjustable touch screen, and by listening to the ballot through audio headphones. The BMD allows voters to mark the ballot using the touch screen, Braille-embossed keypad, sip & puff device and rocker paddle.

The electronic poll site voting system replaced the existing lever machines in all poll sites throughout the City beginning with the Fall 2010 Elections.

The Commissioners of Elections in the City of New York selected the Elections Systems & Software Inc. (ES&S) DS200 scanner and the AutoMARK ballot marking device as the new poll site voting system to be used in New York City beginning in Fall 2010.

Over several months in 2009, the Board of Elections in the City of New York conducted a thorough evaluation of the two poll site voting systems that were applying for certification by New York State. The Board of Elections in the City of New York evaluated the systems using many important criteria, including the voting process, the voter's experience, accessibility and voter assistive devices, system security, voter privacy and the capabilities and experience of the system vendor. The Board also conducted public demonstrations throughout the City and held public hearings to gather input from voters on the potential voting systems.

After completing this thorough evaluation, public demonstrations and hearings, the Board of Elections in the City of New York waited for State certification of the systems before making a selection.

On December 15, 2009, the New York State Board of Elections certified two poll site voting systems, clearing the way for the Board of Elections in the City of New York to make its selection. The Commissioners carefully considered the results of the evaluation process and public input in making their selection of the ES&S DS200 and AutoMARK.

The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) was passed in October 2002 by Congress. It requires that all States replace their lever machines and implement voting systems that produce a permanent paper record which can be used in a recount. The new poll site voting system is part of compliance with HAVA in the State of New York.

A magnifying sheet will be provided in the privacy booth. Ballot marking devices (BMDs) are available to assist any voter in marking the ballot by using an adjustable touch screen, audio headphones, Braille keypad, rocker paddle or sip and puff device.

If you make a mistake while marking your ballot, you may return your ballot to the Inspector and you will be given up to two more ballots in order to mark your ballot as you wish. Spoiled ballots are marked "VOID" by the Inspector and are placed in a special envelope with all other void ballots. Votes on void ballots are not counted.

The scanner will notify you of an overvote and give you the option to cast your ballot "as is" or return your ballot. If you cast your ballot "as is" your vote in that contest will not be counted. If you choose to have your ballot returned to you, see a poll worker to receive a new ballot (up to 3 ballots total).

The scanner accepts ballots in any direction and reads both sides of the ballot. The scanner will notify you that your vote has been cast successfully. Your vote, along with all other votes on the scanner, will be tallied at the poll site on election night.

You will mark your ballot in a privacy booth designed to shield your ballot from view while you are marking it. ADA Accessible privacy booths will also be available at every poll site.

Privacy booth

ADA Accessible Privacy Booth

After marking your paper ballot, a privacy sleeve will be available for you to use in taking your ballot to the scanner. The privacy sleeve will ensure that no one can see your marked ballot and will keep it private. Ballots can be inserted into the scanner with the marked side down, which prevents others from viewing your selections.

The poll site voting system also includes a ballot marking device (BMD), which is an electronic device that assists voters in marking a paper ballot on Election Day. The BMD does not count votes. The BMD prints a marked paper ballot for voter review and verification. After using the BMD to mark a ballot, the voter inserts the marked ballot into the DS200 scanner to cast their vote. It allows all voters, including voters with disabilities, to vote privately and independently at their poll site.

The BMD allows voters to access the ballot by seeing it on an adjustable touch screen, and by listening to the ballot through audio headphones. The BMD allows voters to mark the ballot using the touch screen, Braille-embossed keypad, sip & puff device and rocker paddle.

The BMD gives you a chance to review your selections and make changes to your selections near the end of the voting process before the BMD prints your ballot. If you review the printed ballot and wish to make changes, you will be given up to two more ballots in order to mark your ballot as you wish. Your selections are not final until you insert your marked ballot into the DS200 scanner and cast your vote.

At the end of the process, the BMD will print your marked ballot and may provide an audio replay for your review if the audio headphones are being used. After you mark your ballot using the BMD, you will have an opportunity to review your selections. You may choose to void the ballot and start the process over. Voters have three opportunities to mark their ballot as they wish.

All but three of New York City's 1,369 poll sites are functionally accessible. Door clerks are assigned where needed to open and close the accessible entrance.

The three poll sites which are not functionally accessible are:

PS 119 - 3829 Avenue K, Brooklyn

PS 110 - 124 Monitor Street, Brooklyn

PS 2 - 75-10 21st Avenue, Queens

All voters assigned to the three poll sites which are not functionally accessible will receive a letter stating that disabled voters may request to have their poll site changed to one that is accessible. Disabled voters can request such a poll site change from the Brooklyn Borough Office by calling (718) 797-8800, or from the Queens Borough Office by calling (718) 730-6730. Requests for such a poll site change must be received by BOE at least 14 days prior to the election.

Voters assigned to poll sites which are not functionally accessible may vote at the poll site with assistance (if needed) or may vote by absentee ballot.